Uconn

STORRS — On the day Rutgers and the Big Ten made their unexpected marriage official, UConn remained in waiting mode. It might be that way for an extended period.

While UConn remains the top target to replace Maryland in the ACC, sources within the ACC said Tuesday that a quick decision is unlikely to be made. The ACC is considering holding off on a decision until its presidents meet around the ACC football championship game, which will be played Dec. 1 in Charlotte, N.C.

Reports indicated that Louisville has gained some traction as another possible replacement for Maryland, but sources said UConn still has the edge. A UConn source said Tuesday that there was no movement or official contact from the ACC.

UConn and Louisville officials are working back channels to woo the ACC, something UConn has been unofficially engaged in for many months. UConn officials remain publicly quiet while Louisville president Dr. James Ramsey and men's basketball coach Rick Pitino have been vocal about what Louisville can bring to the ACC.

See ACC, Page 4C

However, Pitino also stated his desire to remain in the Big East.

There were reports Tuesday that Florida State, Clemson and Georgia Tech have voiced their dissent about adding UConn to the league. All have made known their desires to improve the football product and UConn doesn't do that, in their view. ACC officials are also closely watching Florida State and Clemson, two schools that might move to different conferences if UConn is added.

An ACC source said the league is considering the possibility of inviting UConn, Louisville and either Cincinnati or South Florida if Florida State and Clemson decide to leave. But that consideration is far down the list of contingency plans, the source said.

The UConn campus was quiet Tuesday with students off on Thanksgiving break. Football coach Paul Pasqualoni held his weekly meeting with the media in advance of Saturday's game at Louisville and was asked about a potential move.

"I want what's best for the University of Connecticut and the state of Connecticut," Pasqualoni said. "I want the same thing that everybody else in Connecticut wants, really. I think the people here and in the state of Connecticut can rest assured the people in charge are doing to do what's best.

"The only thing for sure in life is change. We all go through that. It's part of life. Athletics is one segment of that."

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